culture

know before you go: London Heathrow (LHR)

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“Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think of the arrivals gate at Heathrow airport.” — Hugh Grant, Love Actually.

Thus is the beginning to the greatest romantic comedy -with major plot points played out in an airport- ever.  I know, really specific–but that scene with Thomas Sangster Brodie where he’s running through to catch the girl! Love it.

Even though there’s quite a liberal dusting of Hollywood magic in that movie (who would ever cheat on Colin Firth?!?), at least that first scene is accurate.  The excitement always reaches a climax when you walk through that hallway and emerge to see the throngs of people waiting for you. Love is actually all around!

Heathrow is the second busiest airport in the world, and has over 200 gates. You can fly just about anywhere, on any airline.  It’s about 14 miles from the city center, and can be reached via Heathrow Express train, the tube, and bus.  Express will get you to the city in 15 minutes; the tube will take 40 minutes, but it’s only ~3 pounds.

There are four terminals split by alliances.  Terminal 2 — the Queen’s terminal — is Star Alliance (United, Aer Lingus, Icelandair), 3 is OneWorld (Virgin, Delta, Emirates, Qantas, etc), 4 is Skyteam (except Delta), Etihad, Malaysia and Qatar, and 5 is British Airways.

Remember: ✈️ = joni mitchell’s blue to ✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️ = to me you are perfect

Convenience to city: ✈️✈️✈️✈️ (although only ✈️ for hotels, catching the Hoppa would be a lot easier if there were signs telling you which stop is designated for each hotel)

Ease of navigating through terminals: ✈️✈️

Convenience of security lines: N/A, but customs line was ✈️✈️✈️

Dining: ✈️✈️✈️ (Gordon Ramsay plane food, a few different coffee options, Wagamama, Fortnum & Mason –although more for souvenirs than eating, Pre-a-manger.  I gave it an extra for an M&S simply food, my fav grab and go London spot)

Bathrooms:✈️✈️✈️ (not too shabby for amount of passenger traffic)

Charging stations/wifi: ✈️✈️✈️  (free wifi available)

Amenities: ✈️✈️✈️✈️ (lots of airline lounges, a chaplain for every religion, the BEST shopping with Dior, Burberry, Bvlgari, Chanel, Gucci, Harrod’s, Jack Wills, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Ferragamo, Mulberry, Saint Laurent, Ted Baker, Stella McCartney, Rolex, Tiffany, Thomas Pink! It’s better than like every mall. Emoji heart eyes x trillion.)

 

weekender in Palm Springs (Coachella tips, y’all)

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In two weeks is a weekend that is one of my favorite of the year, first weekend of Coachella, the granddaddy of all music festivals.  Sure, Lolla is great, Governor’s Island is hip and Outside Lands is chill, but Coachella is the one they all aspire to be, for the star power and cool factor alone.  I mean, watching hundreds of musical acts in sunny California is ideal.

In my twenties, I looked forward to actually attending the festival, but now that I’m a little (read: a lot) older, I look forward to the mass exodus of festival goers from LA/OC (less traffic, reservations!).  But, I do have fond memories of attending the festival, so here are some tips to aid in your weekend of revelry.

Hopefully with no Beyonce biting…

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36 hours in San Antonio

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In celebration of the start of the Final Four tomorrow, culminating in an undoubtably fantastic NCAA championship game Monday (hopefully featuring my school, I won’t say which, but if you read this blog, you can probably guess), here’s to planning your weekend in San Antonio!

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Inexplicably, I’ve been to San Antonio several times for work.  Texas’s second largest city, it’s one of the fastest growing cities in the country.  There’s a huge US armed forces contingent there and is probably best known for being home to the Alamo and previously, Tim Duncan.

Beyond that, the food and drink scene in San Antonio is fantastic.  Not only do you have spectacular Tex Mex regional cuisine, but every restaurant has it’s own unique look and feel.  The decor in some of these restaurants–especially the ones in repurposed spaces is something to behold.  It’s a multicultural city with so many identities, and that’s what makes it a great place to create some memories.

Remember the Alamo…

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3 days in Portland

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Portland is one of the great food cities in the country.  Add the lush backdrop of Mt. Hood and the proximity to natural beauties such as Columbia River Gorge, and you have a perfect destination to spend a few days.

There are so many distinct personalities of the city, as depicted on Portlandia.  While maybe a slight exaggeration, it certainly is an amalgam of cultures and types of people. So come with an open mind and an open stomach, grab a pair of Portland based Nikes and…

Just do it.

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know before you go: Venice (VCE)

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MARCO!!!!

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… POLO!!!

That’s right, the official name of Venice’s airport is Marco Polo, named after the famous Venetian native son known for being a well-traveled explorer and trader.  Luckily for us, we don’t have to take years long journeys to get from one place to the other now, we can jet in and out from his airport.

Flying into Venice through his airport will afford you one of the most marvelous views of your life.  If you’re sure to catch a seat on the right side of the plane, towards the front, you may catch a glimpse of one of the most beautiful cities in the world from a birds eye vantage point.

It’s not a huge airport, one terminal split into only about 35 gates, but it understandably serves a lot of tourists heading on their Italian holidays.  Lots of european airlines, and SkyTeam airlines.  The airport itself sits about 5 miles from Venice’s city center, and can be reached by ACTV bus, Aliguna ferry or water taxi.  Careful, water taxis alone can be very expensive (but may be a little faster).

Remember: ✈️ = o sole mio  ✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️ = volare

Convenience to the city: ✈️✈️ (mainly because of the large sea in between airport and city, understandable though)

Ease of navigating through terminals: ✈️✈️✈️ (only one terminal)

Dining: ✈️✈️ (all italian, but extra points for a gelateria on site)

Bathrooms: ✈️✈️✈️  (fairly clean)

Charging stations/wifi: ✈️✈️✈️ (free wifi available)

Amenities: ✈️✈️✈️✈️  (Two lounges.  For being a smaller airport, there’s a lot of designer shops: Bvlgari, Versace, Ferragamo, Valentino — hey, you’re in Italy, what do you expect?)

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South Africa continued…Pretoria & Johannesburg

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Continuing the tour of South Africa (after having started south in Cape Town and Durban and then heading through the majestic nature reserve of Kruger National Park), head north to the more urban financial and gubernatorial areas of Pretoria and Johannesburg.

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3 days in Austin

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In honor of SXSW (and because I’ve been traveling this week and not writing) here’s 3 days in Austin.  Second verse, same as the first…

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3 days in Chicago

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Chicago is one of the best cities in the country…nay, the world, to visit.  An epicenter of food, culture, art, sport, and architecture–it has it all.  I’ve been to the Windy City at least a dozen times (and I’m heading back there this weekend), and undoubtedly, I’ve had some of the best times of my life there.  This guide is my ideal time in the city, but there’s no humanly way possible you can eat to your heart’s content in such a short period of time.  But no one will hold it against you for trying.

Do you remember when? Fireworks at Lake Michigan, cuz I’m coming home again –‘Ye

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3 days in Sedona feat. Grand and Antelope Canyons

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Sedona, Arizona is one of those rare, special places that has be experienced first hand to understand what people are talking about when they describe its magic.  Famous for being a “vortex,” an area where energy is entering or exiting the earth, Sedona draws millions of visitors from all over seeking its intrinsic benefits along with being a kickass vacation destination.  These energy flows are said to enhance wellness, mindfulness, and spirituality.  Those who have experienced it often feel recharged, refreshed and awakened.   And even if you don’t feel anything specific, the breathtaking views of Sedona’s natural beauty are definitely inspiring enough.

I’ve always liked heading to the desert.  There is a quiet peacefulness about it that is very calming to me.  Not a ton of chirping birds or rustling leaves, it’s very still.  I love that about Arizona.  And I especially like visiting in the winter offseason when crowds are less and it’s not a billion degrees (highly recommend).

the red sandstone it fell, right smack on top, Sedona…

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know before you go: Kansas City (MCI)

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Oh my beloved, Kansas City.  There are positives about this airport, mainly the convenience of security and parking.  But what it has in ease, it gives up in amenities.  With a new expansion planned for the next few years to likely consolidate the terminals into one main terminal, hopefully it will get better, so that this destination gets the airport it deserves.

It’s slowly getting there because big aviation news, KC is getting their first transtlantic flight!  Icelandair is going to be flying a route from MCI to Reykjavik (KEF), which is hopefully the start of more to come.

This airport has three terminals located about 15 miles from downtown, although currently A is closed.  B houses Delta and Southwest from 20 gates. C has 22 gates serving Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Spirit, Frontier, United.  The food isn’t great here, which is a shame since KC has great food.  There is an Arthur Bryant’s in Terminal C which is probably the lone bright spot.  Pork and Pickle has decent sandwiches and BBQ in Terminal B.

Remember: ✈️ = put me out of my missouri to ✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️ = missouri loves company

Convenience to the city: ✈️ (it’s actually pretty far from downtown, but luckily traffic is never that bad)

Ease of navigating through terminals: ✈️

Convenience of check in/security lines: ✈️✈️✈️✈️ (can be quick, each area has its own security)

Dining: ✈️✈️  (Usual fare Burger King, Quizno’s, CPK, Starbucks.  Arthur Bryant’s is the only local flavor)

Bathrooms: ✈️✈️✈️  (the stall doors open out, and that’s huge for luggage purposes)

Charging stations/wifi: ✈️✈️✈️ (free wifi available)

Amenities: ✈️  (not much at all)